Chapter 22 : The Third Member!!

"You want to learn how to craft ninja tools?" 

In a clearing within a small forest, Orochimaru looked at Kagetsu with a puzzled expression. He couldn't understand why Kagetsu would be interested in something like ninja tools. 

From Orochimaru's perspective, Kagetsu's talent would be better used in mastering ninjutsu and expanding his knowledge.

"I just want to learn a little," Kagetsu replied firmly, meeting Orochimaru's confused gaze. He didn't plan on studying it deeply, but he wanted to gain a basic understanding of how ninja tools were made in this world.

"Ninja tools are a broad category," Orochimaru paused for a moment but then decided to explain, "They include shuriken, kunai, swords, explosive tags—any tool used by ninjas. This also includes Sunagakure's puppets and Kirigakure's seven unique swords."

"Besides that, there are also some legendary items said to possess great power."

"The ninja village with the most comprehensive knowledge on making tools is the Village of the Craftsmen. Most other ninja villages only specialize in certain categories."

"I can get you some basic information on crafting ninja tools."

"That's more than enough. I just want to understand a bit more," Kagetsu nodded.

Seeing that Kagetsu didn't seem to be faking his curiosity, Orochimaru didn't worry any further.

As his teacher, Orochimaru didn't want to see Kagetsu waste his talent and time on something with limited potential.

After all, Orochimaru specialized in chakra, ninjutsu, and even biological modifications. He didn't know much about ninja tools.

"Teacher, are you giving Kagetsu special treatment again?"

A sudden voice filled with resentment interrupted them as Anko landed gracefully on the ground. She stood up and pointed at the two of them with an accusing finger, shouting in discontent.

"No, I just got here as well," Kagetsu quickly waved his hands, denying any accusations. If he admitted it, he would be harassed and attacked by Anko in the days to come.

In such meaningless disputes, Kagetsu had the classic Nara style of avoiding trouble.

"Hmph!" Anko glared at Kagetsu before turning to Orochimaru. "So, what training are we doing today, Teacher?"

"I've accepted a mission for the two of you," Orochimaru calmly replied, unfazed by his students' bickering. After Anko quieted down, he continued.

"A mission? Are we leaving the village again?" Anko asked, a bit excited at first, but then slightly unwilling. She had just returned home a few days ago.

"It's a C-rank mission, involving a giant beast that escaped from the Forest of Death," Orochimaru raised a finger and explained the mission details and target to Kagetsu and Anko.

"Although it's a C-rank mission, it's no less dangerous than some B-rank ones. If you're careless, you could get hurt."

"A giant boar-like creature. We need to kill it or drive it back to the Forest of Death, and make sure it doesn't damage the village's buildings and crops, right?" Anko, relieved that they didn't need to leave the village, felt energized.

Compared to Kagetsu, who would rather spend endless days in Orochimaru's lab, Anko preferred the thrill of battle.

At least in combat, she didn't feel like she was a burden to the team.

"Wait, there's one more person joining us," Orochimaru stopped Anko as she was about to move.

"Another person?"

Both Kagetsu and Anko turned to look at Orochimaru.

"Is there a new member joining us?" Anko wasn't sure how she felt about it.

"Three-person teams are a tradition. This one was recommended by the Hokage himself." As he spoke, Orochimaru glanced in the direction of the trees.

"Sorry, Lord Orochimaru! I'm late!" A young figure emerged from behind a tree where Orochimaru had been looking, a look of apology on his face.

"An Uchiha!" Anko blurted out instinctively as she noticed the distinctive fan symbol on the newcomer's sleeve.

The Uchiha clan's reputation in the village was as renowned as the Senju clan's had once been. To most people in the village, the Uchiha were known for their powerful abilities, the Sharingan, and their proud, aloof nature that set them apart from others.

It was rare to see an Uchiha join a team not led by one of their own Jōnin.

"Introduce yourself," Orochimaru said without showing any unnecessary emotion.

"My name is Uchiha Shisui, and I'm a member of the Uchiha clan. I recently graduated from the Konoha Ninja Academy. I specialize in Fire Style, the three basic techniques, the Body Flicker Technique, and kenjutsu. I look forward to working with all of you!" Shisui introduced himself somewhat shyly.

"Wow! He doesn't seem as arrogant as the rumors say about the Uchiha!" Anko commented, surprised to see that Shisui was a shy, handsome guy.

"I'm sorry," Shisui responded with an awkward smile. He knew the reputation his clan had in the village. If it had been one of the more extreme Uchiha members, they might have reacted harshly to Anko's comment.

"Name's Nara Kagetsu! I specialize in medical ninjutsu and Shadow Imitation technique."

"Anko, Mitarashi Anko! I'm good at Fire Style and Orochimaru-style taijutsu. Since you're the newcomer, you can call me 'big sis'!" Anko leaned close to Shisui and introduced herself, trying to establish herself as the leader while extending a friendly hand to the new team member.

*Clap! Clap!*

"Let's focus on the mission first," Orochimaru said, clapping his hands to draw the team's attention.

He looked at Shisui and continued, "The Hokage has a high opinion of you. For the upcoming mission, you'll be our main offensive member. You three will work together to complete the mission, and you can collect the bounty yourselves once it's done."

"What about you, Orochimaru-sensei?" Anko asked instinctively.

"I have other matters to attend to," Orochimaru replied. Then, with a puff of smoke, he disappeared, revealing he had only been a shadow clone.

"Damn it!" Anko muttered angrily when she realized it was just a clone. She glanced at Kagetsu and the obedient-looking Shisui before declaring, "Since Orochimaru-sensei didn't say who should lead, I'll be the team captain for this mission. You two have no objections, right?"

Shisui hesitantly looked in Kagetsu's direction. Before joining the team, he had already gathered some information about Kagetsu and Anko from his clan.

After all, one of the legendary Sannin, Orochimaru, personally recruited these students, and Kagetsu, who had trained under Tsunade in medical ninjutsu, was known among the Jōnin, even if some thought he had just been lucky.

"I'm fine with it," Kagetsu said, secretly hoping Anko would take the lead and handle the troublesome parts of the mission. He knew that when things got serious, Anko would still remember to rely on him, her "external brain."

"I'm okay with it too!" Shisui quickly agreed once Kagetsu expressed his stance.

Anko smiled triumphantly, hands on her hips.

"First step, we need to track down the target. Can you do that?" Anko turned her gaze toward Shisui.

"No problem," Shisui nodded. The Academy had covered tracking techniques in their lessons, and these D-rank missions were meant to help new genin solidify and apply what they'd learned.

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